Translation guide
How to express 'prepare for' in Japanese, covering general preparation, readiness for events, and mental preparation.
To make ready or get things ready for something.
The most common and versatile verb for 'to prepare'. Used for tangible and intangible preparations.
I'm preparing for the trip.
I have to prepare for the exam.
Often interchangeable with 準備する, but can emphasize having things ready or arranged in advance.
We prepared a room for the guest.
To prepare for a future event, often with a nuance of being equipped or taking precautions. More formal/literary.
Stock up on food in preparation for a disaster.
To make arrangements or get oneself ready for a specific event.
To prepare oneself mentally for something challenging or important.
準備 (junbi) is the general term for preparation, often involving a process. 用意 (yōi) can imply readiness or having things set up. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 用意 is common for tangible arrangements like setting a table or preparing documents.
It took time to prepare for the meeting.
The documents are already prepared.
He took on the challenge prepared for failure.